Single serve beverage additive cartridge

ABSTRACT

Beverage additive cartridges, beverage brewing systems and methods of brewing a beverage whereby a beverage additive cartridge containing an ingredient is used in combination with a beverage brewing cartridge to add the ingredient of the additive cartridge to the brewed fluid flow of the brewing cartridge. The resultant brew is an ingredient-brewed fluid mixture that outflows from a brewing machine via an outlet probe.

This application claims priority to U.S. Non-Provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 14/045,122 filed on Oct. 3, 2013, which claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/798,655 filed on Mar.15, 2013, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by referencein their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed to beverage filter cartridges, and inparticular, to a cartridge that attaches to a single serve beveragefilter cartridge for adding a constituent to an out-flowing beverage andmethods of making and implementing the same.

2. Description of Related Art

A variety of automatic brewers currently exist in the market for brewinghot and/or cold beverages. Several of these brewers are for use withsingle serve beverage filter cartridges. Today, numerous different typesof single serve beverage filter cartridges exist, which may be eitherdisposable or reusable. Disposable single serve beverage cartridges havea significant impact on coffee sales.

In the manufacture of disposable single serve beverage filtercartridges, an impermeable yieldably-piercable cup-shaped outercontainer is provided with a filter therein containing an ingredient tobe brewed. A foil type material is adhered to the top of the outercontainer to hermetically seal the resultant disposable cartridge andits contents. In use, the sealed cartridge is placed inside a cup shapedhousing of a brewing machine followed by closing the brewer lid toentrap the cartridge in the housing. As the lid is closed, a tubularinlet probe on the brewer lid pierces the foil top of the cartridge, anda tubular outlet probe residing at the bottom of the housing pierces thebottom of the cartridge. The inlet probe admits heated liquid underpressure into a chamber of the cartridge having the ingredient to bebrewed for the infusion thereof The resulting brewed beverage passesthrough the filter into another chamber of such cartridge, from which itexits via the outlet probe for delivery into an underlying container(e.g., cup).

While these types of single serve beverage filter cartridges are repletein today's market, they are plagued by the selection and variety ofingredient flavors available for purchase. For instance, certain coffeebrand manufacturers sell a limited selection of flavored coffees. Thisis in part due to customer demand, but largely due to manufacturinglimitations and costs. In manufacturing single serve beverage cartridgescontaining a selected flavor of coffee, cross-contamination thereof withother flavorings or flavored coffee is highly undesirable. Acontaminated batch of coffee typically yields an unsellable product thatmust be scrapped, thereby leading to increased manufacturing costs andlost profits. To avoid batch cross-contamination manufacturers oftendesignate manufacturing facilities to single coffee flavors. This limitsthe variety of flavored single serve beverages the manufacturer caneconomically and feasibly produce.

Accordingly, there continues to be a need in the art for new apparatus,systems, and methods for flavoring or adding an ingredient to the liquidoutflow from disposable and reusable single serve beverage cartridges.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Bearing in mind the problems and deficiencies of the prior art, it istherefore an object of the present invention to provide a beverageadditive cartridge, for use with a beverage brewing cartridge, thatincludes a container having a first surface area with sidewallsextending from the first surface area. The container may have a shapecorresponding to an exterior shape of the beverage brewing cartridge.The beverage additive cartridge is in communication with the beveragebrewing cartridge (i.e., directly (e.g., connected to, adhered to,fastened to, affixed to, etc.) or indirectly (e.g., adjacent to, near,next to, etc.) The beverage additive cartridge further includes aningredient residing inside therein for adding to a brewed fluid of thebeverage brewing cartridge to generate an ingredient-brewed fluidmixture.

In other embodiments of the invention, the invention is directed tobeverage brewing system that includes beverage brewing cartridgecontaining a material to be brewed. The system also includes beverageadditive cartridge retaining an ingredient for adding to a brewed fluidof the beverage brewing cartridge to generate an ingredient-brewed fluidmixture. The system further includes a connection that provides thebeverage additive cartridge in communication with the beverage brewingcartridge.

In other embodiments the invention is directed to methods of brewing abeverage by providing a beverage brewing cartridge containing a materialto be brewed. A beverage additive cartridge is secured to the beveragebrewing cartridge. This beverage additive cartridge contains aningredient. The beverage brewing cartridge and the beverage additivecartridge are compressed together via a housing of a brewing machine,and probes of the brew machine pierce one or both of the beveragebrewing cartridge and the beverage additive cartridge. Fluid flows intothe beverage brewing cartridge via an inlet probe to generate a brewedfluid flow, and fluid contacts the ingredient within the beverageadditive cartridge to generate an ingredient containing fluid flow.These brewed fluid flow and ingredient containing fluid flow arecombined to generate an ingredient-brewed fluid mixture that outflowsthe brewing machine

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of the invention believed to be novel and the elementscharacteristic of the invention are set forth with particularity in theappended claims. The figures are for illustration purposes only and arenot drawn to scale. The invention itself, however, both as toorganization and method of operation, may best be understood byreference to the detailed description which follows taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGS. 1A-B are side views of various single serve beverage additivecartridges 10 a, 10 b according to one or more embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an additive cartridge attached to abottom portion of a conventional brew cartridge according to one or moreembodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 3A-B are perspective views of other additive cartridges attachedto a bottom portion of a conventional brew cartridge according to otherembodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 4A-B are perspective views of additive cartridges attached to atop portion of a brew cartridge according to various embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 5A-I are perspective views of various shaped additive cartridgesaccording to embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 6A-B are side views of one or more embodiments of additivecartridges of the invention having an ingredient therein that is to beadded to fluid flow of a brew cartridge.

FIG. 6C is a perspective view of one or more additive cartridges of theinvention in the process of being attached to a brew cartridge.

FIGS. 7A-D are perspective views different additive cartridges having aningredient therein according to one or more embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an additive cartridge of the inventionand a conventional brew cartridge prior to use of such additivecartridge in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of FIG. 8A after the additive cartridgeand brew cartridge have been attached together, whereby a brewed fluidflows from the brew cartridge contacts the ingredient within theadditive cartridge and generates an brewed-ingredient mixture thatoutflows from the brewer housing.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

In describing the preferred embodiment of the present invention,reference will be made herein to FIGS. 1A-8B of the drawings in whichlike numerals refer to like features of the invention. Terms such as“upper”, “lower”, “top”, “bottom”, “inner”, “outer”, “inward orinwardly”, “outward or outwardly”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and thelike, when used herein, refer to the positions of the respectiveelements shown in the accompanying figures and the present invention isnot limited to such positions.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-B, the various embodiments of the invention aredirected to single serve beverage additive containers or cartridges 10a, 10 b (referred to herein generally as “additive cartridges 10”),which may be used in combination with a conventional single servebeverage brew cartridge 9. The various single serve beverage additivecartridges 10 a, 10 b of the invention may be used in a single servebrewing machine 1 having a lid 3 and cup shaped housing 4. Aconventional single serve beverage brew cartridge 9 containing aconstituent to be brewed (e.g., coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cider, soup,etc.) is provided inside the cup shaped housing 4 of the brewer 1 alongwith one or more single serve beverage additive cartridges 10 of theinvention. As such, the beverage brew cartridge 9 and the beverageadditive cartridges 10 are communication with each other, which may bedirect communication or indirect communication.

The brewer lid 3 is moved downward via handle 5 to enclose the brewcartridge 9 and the one or more additive cartridges 10 of the inventionwithin the cup shaped housing 4. The constituent to be brewed within thebrew cartridge 9 may then be brewed, whereby an ingredient residingwithin the additive cartridges 10 of the invention is combined withand/or added to the liquid outflow from such brew cartridge 9 (e.g.,see, FIG. 1A) and/or added to the brewed ingredient within the brewcartridge 9 (e.g., see, FIG. 1B) for outflow from the brew machine.

FIGS. 1A and 2A-3B show one or more embodiments of the invention whereinan ingredient 100 of additive cartridge 10 a may be added to the liquidoutflow from the brew cartridge 9. In these embodiments a single servebeverage additive cartridge 10 a containing the ingredient 100 may beprovided into the cup shaped housing 4 prior to providing a beveragebrew cartridge 9 containing a constituent to be brewed therein. As such,the additive cartridge 10 a of the invention resides under brewcartridge 9.

Once a brew cartridge 9 resides over the additive cartridge 10 a withinthe brewer housing 4, the lid 3 is closed via handle 5. In doing so, atubular inlet probe 7 attached to the lid 3 pierces a top foil layer 6of the beverage brew cartridge 9, while a tubular outlet probe 8 at thebottom of the cup shaped housing 4 pierces both the additive cartridge10 a of the invention and the brew cartridge 9. As the lid 3 is closed,upward and downward pressures applied to both the beverage brewcartridge 9 and the additive cartridge 10 a cause the brew cartridge 9to be inserted into the instant additive cartridge 10 a. It should beappreciated that an end-user may also manually insert or attach the brewcartridge 9 into/to the additive cartridge 10 a prior to use thereof(i.e., prior to insertion into the brewer), whereby applied pressure inhousing 4 provides additional force to insert the brew cartridge 9 intothe additive cartridge 10 a.

The tubular inlet probe 7 has one or more openings therein forintroducing a fluid flow (typically water) into the brew cartridge 9.For ease of understanding the invention, the inflowing fluid flow willbe referred to herein as water. Water is retained within a firstcompartment of the brew cartridge 9 containing the constituent to bebrewed within a filter material. The brewed fluid flow passes from thefirst compartment through the filter material and into a secondcompartment of the brew cartridge 9 residing under such filter material.This brewed fluid flow also passes into the underlying additivecartridge 10 a and directly contacts the ingredient 100 residingtherein. The brewed fluid flow interacts and mixes with the ingredient100 from additive cartridge 10 a inside the brewer housing 4 to generatean ingredient-brewed mixture fluid. For instance, wherein the ingredient100 is a flavoring component, the brewed fluid from brew cartridge 9 ismixed with and flavored by ingredient 100 from the additive cartridge 10a (i.e., flavoring cartridge) to generate a flavored, brewed fluid. Thetubular outlet probe 8 of the brewing machine also has one or moreopenings therein (e.g., see, bottom opening of probe 8 in FIG. 6C), orthere-around its surface area, to allow the ingredient-brewed mixturefluid outflow from the brewer housing 4 and into an underlyingreceptacle 2 (e.g., a glass, cup, mug, bowl, pitcher, etc.)

After the ingredient 100 added/flavored brewed fluid flow of theinvention has been dispensed from the brewer 1, the lid 3 is opened viahandle 5, and the beverage brew cartridge 9 and beverage additivecartridge(s) 10 a of the invention may be removed as a single unit. Inone or more embodiments of the invention, the additive cartridge(s) 10(which are discussed in detail below) are made of a flexible materialsimilar to that of the cup portion of brew cartridge 9, and haveessentially the same dimensions as that of the lower portion of suchbrew cartridge 9. That is, the configurations of shape, size anddimensions of at least a portion of the cup-shaped brew cartridge 9 andadditive cartridge 10 a are essentially the same and equivalent, atleast at either bottom portions thereof as shown in FIGS. 2A-3B or topportions thereof as shown in FIGS. 4A-B), to generate a friction fitthere-between.

As the brew cartridge 9 is inserted into the instant additive cartridge10 a, pressure slightly deforms the sidewalls of one or both the brewcartridge and the additive cartridge so that the interior sidewalls ofthe additive cartridge 10 a stretch over and tightly fit with or to theexterior sidewalls of the cup portion of beverage brew cartridge 9, orat least a portion thereof as shown in FIGS. 2A-3B (e.g., the bottomportion of the brew cartridge 9). The pressure of pushing these twoessentially same sized cartridge 9, 10 a portions together generatescompression and friction that secures, fastens and attaches the brewcartridge 9 and additive cartridge 10 a together. This type of fit isgenerally referred to as a friction fit, interference fit or press fit.

In addition to the friction fit by compression or pressure, in certainembodiments of the invention the friction fit may be further enhanced bythe thermal expansion and contraction of the materials of the cup shapedcartridges 9 and 10 a. That is, as hot water is dispensed from the inletprobe 7 into both the brew cartridge 9 and the additive cartridge 10 a,such hot water causes the materials of the cartridges 9 and 10 a toexpand as the heated fluid flows there-through. After the heated fluidhas been released from the cartridges, the material of such cartridges9, 10 a begin to cool and contract causing a tighter fit that increasesthe friction fit between the brew cartridge 9 and the additive cartridge10 a.

In still other embodiments of the invention, the tight fit between thebrew cartridge 9 and the additive cartridge(s) 10 may be enhanced by anadhesion layer. This adhesion layer 20 may be provided on the brewcartridge 9 and/or additive cartridge 10 to enhance the bondingthere-between. In one or more embodiments, the adhesion layer 20preferably resides on an interior surface of a sidewall of the additivecartridge 10. The adhesion layer 20 may be any material that allows thetwo cartridges to adhere to one another including, but not limited to,glue, adhesive, tape, plastic, rubber (e.g., a rubber seal, o-ring,etc.), combinations thereof, and the like. The adhesion layer 20 may bedry prior to use of additive cartridge 10, and once wetted during usethereof, becomes activated to adhere cartridge 10 to exterior sidewallsof the brew cartridge 9. For instance, since sidewalls of additivecartridge 10 a extend over at least a portion of exterior sidewalls ofbrew cartridge 9, the adhesion layer 20 may be provided on the insidesidewalls of additive cartridge 10 a and/or exterior sidewalls of thebrew cartridge 9 that make contact with the additive cartridge 10 ainterior sidewall (see, e.g., FIG. 3B).

In one or more alternative embodiments, rather than providing theadditive cartridges 10 under a brew cartridge 9, additive cartridges 10b of the invention may be provided over a brew cartridge 9. Referring toFIGS. 1B and 4A-B, the additive cartridges 10 b may be provided over, oron top of, a brew cartridge 9 residing in a brewer housing 4. As shownin FIG. 1B, in one or more embodiments, when the additive cartridge 10 bis provided over the brew cartridge 9, such additive cartridge 10 b mayhave at its underside circumferal outer edge sidewalls 12 that overhangsidewalls of at least a top portion of the brew cartridge 9.

A first layer 15 may reside at a first side of the additive cartridge 10b with the additive ingredient 100 (e.g., flavoring ingredient) residingbetween such first layer 15 and the top surface area of the underlyingbrew cartridge 9. This first layer 15 may be composed of a materialincluding, but not limited to, a foil material, a filter material (e.g.,paper, mesh, cloth, etc.), and the like. The additive ingredient 100 maybe retained within the additive cartridge 10 b via a filter material 17as shown by dashed line in FIG. 1B and 4A. The filter material may beany known filter material that allows fluid flow there-throughincluding, but not limited to, a paper filter, a cloth filter, a meshmaterial, and the like.

During use of the additive cartridge 10 b shown in FIG. 1B, a beveragebrew cartridge 9 is inserted into the housing 4 of the brewer followedby additive cartridge 10 b. An end-user may optionally attach theadditive cartridge 10 b to the top of the brew cartridge 9 prior toinsertion into the brewer housing 4. As pressure is applied by closingthe brewer lid 3, forces cause the additive cartridge 10 b to beattached to a top portion of the brew cartridge 9 (or such forces causethe top portion of the brew cartridge 9 to be inserted into the additivecartridge 10 b residing there-over). As discussed below, the additivecartridge 10 b may have circumferal flanges that allow pressure to beapplied thereto for adhering the additive and brew cartridges together.In the instant embodiments of the invention, sidewalls 12 of theadditive cartridge overhang sidewalls of a top portion of the brewcartridge 9 so that the interior surfaces of the additive cartridgesidewalls 12 contact exterior surfaces of the brew cartridge 9. Asdiscussed above, these sidewalls may adhere to one another by frictionfit (i.e., interference fit or press fit), thermal expansion andcontraction, an adhesion layer, any combination of the foregoing, andthe like.

Upon closing the lid 3, in addition to the additive and brew cartridges10 b, 9 being secured together, the tubular inlet probe 7 pierces boththe additive cartridge 10 b and the brew cartridge 9 while the tubularoutlet probe 8 pierces the bottom of the brew cartridge 9. In certainembodiments, the applied pressures from closing the lid and the probeinsertions may cause the material of the first layer 15 of additivecartridge 10 b to slightly concave, whereby as a fluid flow is providedinto both the additive and brew cartridges 10 b, 9 via inlet probe 7, aportion of such fluid slightly pools above, resides within or rises upinto the additive cartridge 10 b to contact the additive ingredient 100residing therein. Alternatively, steam from the water flow may containthe ingredient to cause dissipation thereof for introduction into theunderlying brew cartridge or in the housing 4 itself. The ingredient 100is added (e.g., dispersed, dissolves, flows, etc.) to the fluid flow andprovided into the underlying brew cartridge 9 and/or brewer housing. Thematerial to be brewed in brew cartridge 9 is brewed with the fluid flow,including the fluid flow containing ingredient 100, to generate theingredient 100 containing brewed fluid flow in accordance with theinvention. This ingredient-brewed mixture fluid (e.g., a flavored,brewed fluid) flows out the brew cartridge 9 via outlet probe 8 and intoan underlying receptacle 2. After use, when the additive and brewcartridges 10 b, 9 are adhered together, such cartridges may be removedfrom the brewer 1 as a single unit.

As still other embodiments of the invention, the additive cartridge 10 bof the invention may be provided over a brew cartridge 9 whereby aperimeter of the additive cartridge is substantially equivalent to aperimeter of the top surface area of the brew cartridge 9. That is,rather than having a portion of the flavoring cartridge 10 b overhangthe brew cartridge 9 as shown in FIG. 1B, the flavoring cartridge 10 bmay reside entirely on a top surface of, or over, the brew cartridge 9.Referring to FIGS. 4A-B the bottom surface area of the flavoringcartridge 10 b shown therein, and a top surface area of the brewcartridge 9, may be substantially equivalent in size.

In these embodiments of the invention the flavoring cartridge 10 b maybe composed of a rigid or semi-rigid material that extends alongsidewalls 12 thereof and inward towards the cartridge center as inwardlyextending circumferal flanges 13. The inward flanges 13 reside at boththe top surface and bottom surface of the flavoring cartridge. Furtherin these embodiments, the flavoring cartridge 10 b is positioned overthe brew cartridge 9 such that the first layer 15 resides at the bottomsurface area of the flavoring cartridge 10 b, while a second layer 18resides at a top surface area of flavoring cartridge 10 b. It should beappreciated and understood by one skilled in the art that the additivecartridge 10 b embodiments of the invention shown in relation to FIGS.1B and 4A-B may be the same cartridge and their positioning or placementrelative to brew cartridge 9 within brewer housing 4 may be reversed(i.e., flipped upside down) in accordance with the description of theinvention herein.

Referring again to FIGS. 4A-B, the first layer 15 is shown as residingat the bottom surface of the flavoring cartridge 10 b. This bottom firstlayer 15 may be composed of a material including, but not limited to,the material of the flavoring cartridge itself, a foil material, afilter material (e.g., paper, mesh, cloth, etc.), or any other known ordiscoverable material that separates the ingredient 100 residing withinthe cartridge from the brew cartridge. Alternatively, the first layer 15may be the material of the flavoring itself (e.g., a dissolvableflavoring material).

Optionally, the second layer 18 may be a top layer residing at the topsurface of the flavoring cartridge 10 b as shown in FIG. 4B. This topsecond layer 18 may be composed of a material including, but not limitedto, a foil material, a filter material (e.g., paper, mesh, cloth, etc.),and the like. The top second layer 18 and/or first layer 15 may be aremovable layer to protect and seal ingredient 100 prior to use thereof.In these embodiments the top layer 18 may be removed to exposeingredient 100 for use. The bottom first layer 15 and top second layer18 may be adhered respectively to the circumferal bottom and top flanges13 via any known adhesion layer. For instance, the first and secondlayers 15, 18 may each be a laminate of nylon, aluminum and a heat-seallacquer used to bond the aluminum to the polyethylene flange material ofthe cartridges. In one or more further embodiments, the bottom flange 13of additive cartridge 10 b may optionally have an adhesion layer 20residing on an exposed surface area thereof, which adheres such additivecartridge 10 b to the brew cartridge 9 during use of these cartridgeswithin the brewer housing.

During use of the additive cartridge 10 b shown in FIGS. 4A-B, abeverage brew cartridge 9 may be inserted into brewer housing 4 followedby the additive cartridge 10 b as shown in FIGS. 4A-B. The additivecartridge 10 b may either simply rest on top of the brew cartridge 9, orin those embodiments having an adhesion layer on a bottom exposedsurface of the bottom flange 13 such adhesion layer may secure or attachthe additive cartridge 10 b to the brew cartridge 9. Again, water and/orsteam contacted to the adhesion layer during the brew cycle may activatethe adhesion layer for securing the additive cartridge 10 b to the brewcartridge 9.

As pressure is applied by closing the brewer lid 3, the upward and downforces also help in attaching the additive cartridge 10 b to a topportion of the brew cartridge 9. In doing so, at least a portion of thebottom flange 13 of the additive cartridge is connected, secured to oradhered to flanges of the brew cartridge 9. The tubular inlet probe 7pierces both the additive cartridge 10 b and the brew cartridge 9 whilethe tubular outlet probe 8 pierces the bottom of the brew cartridge 9.In those embodiments having top layer 18 as shown in FIG. 4B, theapplied pressures may cause the material of the first layer 15 toslightly concave, such that, the inlet fluid flow slightly pools aboveand within the additive cartridge 10 b to contact the additiveingredient 100 residing therein. As described above, the ingredient 100is added to the fluid flow and provided into the underlying brewcartridge 9 to output an ingredient-brewed mixture fluid (e.g., aflavored, brewed fluid) of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 4A, in those embodiments not having the top layer 18,or where such top layer 18 has been removed, the inlet probe 7 maypierce through the additive cartridge (i.e., through any filter 17residing therein, through ingredient 100 and/or through the material ofthe cartridge 10 or layer 15). The inlet probe 7 also passes into theunderlying brew cartridge 9 (or at least a top foil layer thereof), andfluid flow contacts both ingredient 100 within additive cartridge 10 andthe material being brewed in brew cartridge 9 to generate theingredient-brewed mixture fluid (e.g., a flavored, brewed fluid) of theinvention. The additive and brew cartridges 10 b, 9 may be removed as asingle unit as described herein, or removed separately.

FIGS. 1A-4B show one or more embodiments of the additive cartridges 10of the invention having a generally gradual tapering truncated conicalshape that is substantially similar to the shape of a tapering truncatedconical brew cartridge 9 to which it is to be contacted to, adhered to,or used in conjunction with. However, it should be appreciated that theinstant additive cartridges 10 are not limited to such shapes, and mayhave any shape that allows the additive cartridges 10 of the inventionto be contacted to, adhere to or used in conjunction with any known oryet to be discovered brew cartridge 9, regardless of whether the presentadditive cartridge(s) are being provided over the top and/or bottom of abrew cartridge. For instance, referring to FIGS. 5A-I, a variety ofdifferently shaped and configured beverage brew cartridges 9 currentlyexist in the market.

Without deviating from the novel concepts of the invention, the presentadditive cartridge(s) 10 may be designed, shaped and configured tocorrespond to surfaces of a brew cartridge 9 to which it is to matewith. Additive cartridge(s) 10 of the invention preferably include atleast means for retaining an ingredient 100 therein (that is to be addedto fluid flow of the brew cartridge), in combination with at least onesurface area of such cartridge 10 that secures the additive cartridge 10to the brew cartridge 9 that it makes contact with.

As still another alternative, the additive cartridges 10 of theinvention may have a shape and/or size different from the brew cartridge9 with which it is to be used in conjunction therewith. In the variousembodiments of the invention, a feature of the invention is that thepresent additive cartridges 10 may be used in conjunction with a brewcartridge 9 inside a brew housing to generate an ingredient-brewedmixture fluid outflow. In one or more embodiments, the additivecartridge 10 may or may not have sizes and configurations equivalent tothe brew cartridge 9, and/or may or may not fasten or secure to the brewcartridge 9 (e.g., the additive cartridge 10 may reside adjacent to thebrew cartridge 9 without making contact therewith.

FIGS. 6A-8B show additional details of the various embodiments of theinvention. As is shown, the present additive cartridge(s) 10 retain aningredient 100 within at least one compartment of the cartridge 10. Theingredient may optionally be secured within a second compartment of theadditive cartridge 10 by a filter material 17 as shown at least in FIGS.4A, 6A and 6C. Again, the filter material 17 may be any known filtermaterial that allows fluid flow there-through including, but not limitedto, a paper filter, a cloth filter, a mesh material, and the like.

The ingredient 100 provided within the additive cartridge 10 may beprepackaged into the cartridge 10, such as, when the additive cartridgesof the invention are single-use disposable cartridges. It should beappreciated that components of the additive cartridge 10 may be composedof biodegradable and/or compostable materials. Alternatively, thepresent cartridges 10 may be either disposable and/or reusable, and anend-user may select from a variety of different ingredients and manuallyadd one or more ingredients to the present additive cartridges. As such,the various additive cartridges 10 of the invention may contain a singleadditive ingredient, or a plurality of different additive ingredients.

In accordance with the various embodiments of the invention, theingredient(s) 100 within additive cartridges 10 may be any constituentfor adding to a liquid flow of/from a brew cartridge. While not meant tolimit the invention, the ingredients may include, but are not limitedto, a flavoring agent, an ingredient(s), a vitamin, a medicament, acoloring agent, a sweetening agent, a lightening agent, a flavoredlightening agent, an extract, a concentrate, etc., or even anycombination(s) of the foregoing. The ingredient(s) 100 may be in anyphysical form that is able to be retained within the additive cartridge10 including, but not limited to, a liquid, gel, powder, particulate,solid, crystalline, vapor, flavor packet, etc., or even any combinationsof the foregoing. In additive cartridges 10 that are prepackaged, thecartridge preferably has a top layer 18 that hermetically seals thecartridge and the ingredient 100 residing therein.

Referring to FIG. 6A, the ingredient 100 may be a single unit that isprovided inside the additive cartridge 10. Alternatively, a plurality ofingredient 100 units may be provided within the additive cartridge 10,as is shown in FIG. 6B. Each of these units may contain a singleingredient or a plurality of ingredients in combination with oneanother. As shown in FIG. 6A the ingredient 100 may contact a bottominterior surface of the additive cartridge 10, or it may be raised aboveand not contact the bottom interior surface of the additive cartridge 10prior to use thereof as shown at least in FIGS. 6B-C.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 6B-C, a lifting component 30 may be providedin the additive cartridge. This lifting component 30 is preferablyadjacent to, and may contact, the bottom surface of the cartridge 10 toprovide an open space between a location where ingredient 100 resides,or is to be provided, and the cartridge interior bottom surface. Asfluid flows into cartridge 10, such fluid contacts a top surface of theingredient 100 and flows under such ingredient 100 to contact the bottomsurface thereof. As such, fluid flows both above and under ingredient100 to increase the amount of such ingredient 100 that is dissolved,dispensed or dispersed into the fluid flow for providing aningredient-brewed mixture fluid outflow in accordance with theinvention.

For ease of understanding the invention, FIGS. 6C and 7A-B show one ormore examples of the invention. As shown, an additive cartridge 10having a plurality of longitudinally raised legs as a lifting component30, with each leg extending from interior sidewall surfaces of thecartridge towards the center thereof. The ingredient 100 may be agelatinous mass that rests on top of such raised legs whereby fluidflows along channels of adjacent pairs of legs and contacts theunderside of ingredient 100 while fluid also flows over a top surface ofsuch ingredient 100 and makes contact therewith. As still other examplesof the invention, the ingredient 100 may be a flavoring packet as shownin FIGS. 7C-D that is placed directly onto a bottom surface area of theinterior of the additive cartridge 10. The fluid flows over theflavoring packet and penetrates through a filter material of such packetto contact the ingredient 100 residing therein. It should be appreciatedthat these figures are used to show examples of one or more embodimentsof the invention, and in no manner are meant to limit the invention.Numerous different ingredients 100 and lifting components 30 areenvisioned by the scope of the present invention. As still otherexamples of the invention.

Referring to FIGS. 6C and 8A-B, an additive cartridge 10 may be providedunder a brew cartridge 9 whereby after closing a lid of a brewer housingthe brew cartridge 9 and additive cartridge 10 are adhered together at acircumferal attachment location 50. The top inlet probe 7 of the brewerpierces a top foil layer of the brew cartridge, and a bottom outletprobe 8 pierces bottom surfaces of both the additive cartridge 10followed by the brew cartridge 9. The rigid or semi-rigid material ofthe additive cartridge 10 may include, but is not limited to, anycombination of polystyrene, ethylene vinyl alcohol and polyethylene. Asdiscussed in detail above, the fluid flow contacts and brews thematerial residing in the brew cartridge and then flows into the additivecartridge for mixing thereof with ingredient 100 residing therein. Theadditive cartridges of the invention are not restricted in use to asingle orientation, can be pierced for input and output flow, and aresealed for freshness and against contamination.

Since many manufacturers and/or sellers of brew beverages are limited bythe variety of flavored beverages they can manufacture and sell, thevarious embodiments of the invention provide a solution thereto byallowing an end user create his own flavored beverage using a base orbrew cartridge of his preference in combination with one or moreflavoring cartridges or packets of the invention. For instance, severalcoffee manufacturers and sellers only sell a limited number of flavoredcoffees. While there are a variety of different flavored coffeesavailable, a consumer may not like the underlying base coffee used tomake the flavored coffee.

As an example, while many consumers enjoy Brand A coffee, such Brand Acoffee does not sell flavor “X” coffee. Brand B sells flavor “X” coffee,however, Brand B's underlying coffee base from which flavor “X” coffeeis made is too strong for many consumers. As such, consumers will notbuy Brand B's flavor “X” coffee. In accordance with the variousembodiments of the invention, a consumer may now buy their preferredBrand A coffee and brew it in combination with one or more of theinstant additive cartridges 10 (here a flavoring cartridge) to addflavor “X” to such coffee. The resultant out-flowing coffee is Brand Aflavor “X” coffee.

The various embodiments of the invention also solve the problem offlavoring cross-contamination at manufacturing facilities, since the enduser is now able to desirably select and create his own flavoredbeverages and/or liquid meals (e.g., soup).

It should also be appreciated that while the invention has beendescribed herein as the brew cartridge 9 and additive cartridge 10 beingseparate cartridges that are attached together for brewing a beverage,the invention also includes and envisions embodiments wherein the brewand additive cartridges 9, 10 are manufactured and sold as a single unit(see, e.g., FIG. 4B may be envisioned as a single unit cartridge havingboth an additive chamber and a brew chamber). In these embodiments abrew chamber may be separated from an additive chamber (e.g., aflavoring chamber), whereby ingredient 100 is prepackaged within suchchamber, or there is an opening or inlet that allows an end user toselectively add his own ingredients therein. These embodiments of thecombined brew and additive cartridges 9, 10 may be made as disposablesingle-use cartridges, or they may be reusable cartridge(s). In stillother embodiments, the ingredient 100 may be provided directly withinthe brew cartridge so that the brewing component and ingredient arebrewed together simultaneously. It should also be appreciated that theadditive cartridges 10 of the invention may be provided with one or moretabs extending from sidewalls thereof to assist in the removal of suchcartridge 10 from the housing 4 if required.

While the present invention has been particularly described, inconjunction with a specific preferred embodiment, it is evident thatmany alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent tothose skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. It istherefore contemplated that the appended claims will embrace any suchalternatives, modifications and variations as falling within the truescope and spirit of the present invention.

Thus, having described the invention, what is claimed is:

1. A method of brewing a beverage comprising: providing a beveragebrewing apparatus having a housing with one or more fluid flow probes;providing a beverage additive cartridge containing an ingredient intosaid housing; providing a beverage brewing cartridge containing amaterial to be brewed into said housing; piercing the beverage brewingcartridge and the beverage additive cartridge with said one or morefluid flow probes; flowing a fluid into the beverage brewing cartridgeand the beverage additive cartridge via at least one of the fluid flowprobes to generate an ingredient-brewed fluid mixture; and outflowingthe ingredient-brewed fluid mixture from the beverage brewing machine.2. The method of claim 1 wherein the beverage brewing apparatuscomprises a beverage brewing machine.
 3. The method of claim 1 whereinthe ingredient within the beverage additive cartridge is selected fromthe group consisting of a flavoring agent, an ingredient, a vitamin, amedicament, a coloring agent, a sweetening agent, a lightening agent, aflavored lightening agent, an extract, a concentrate, and combinationsthereof.
 4. The method of claim 3 wherein the material to be brewedwithin the beverage brewing cartridge is selected from the groupconsisting of coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cider, soup mixture and foodingredient.
 5. The method of claim 3 wherein the ingredient within thebeverage additive cartridge is in a physical form selected from thegroup consisting of a liquid, gel, powder, particulate, solid,crystalline, vapor, flavor packet, and combinations thereof.
 6. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the ingredient within the beverage additivecartridge is selected from the group consisting of a single ingredientor a combination of two or more ingredients.
 7. The method of claim 1wherein the beverage additive cartridge is provided into said housingfollowed by said beverage brewing cartridge so that the beverage brewingcartridge resides over the beverage additive cartridge inside saidhousing, said method further comprising: compressing the beveragebrewing cartridge and the beverage additive cartridge together insidethe housing; piercing the beverage brewing cartridge and the beverageadditive cartridge with said one or more fluid flow probes; flowing saidfluid into the beverage brewing cartridge via at least one of the fluidflow probes to generate a brewed fluid flow; flowing said brewed fluidflow into said beverage additive cartridge to mix with at least aportion of said ingredient to generate said ingredient-brewed fluidmixture; and outflowing the ingredient-brewed fluid mixture from thebeverage brewing machine.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein the beveragebrewing cartridge is provided into said housing followed by saidbeverage additive cartridge so that the beverage additive cartridgeresides over the beverage brewing cartridge inside said housing, saidmethod further comprising: compressing the beverage additive cartridgeand the beverage brewing cartridge together inside the housing; piercingthe beverage brewing cartridge and the beverage additive cartridge withsaid one or more fluid flow probes; flowing said fluid into the beverageadditive cartridge via at least one of the fluid flow probes to mix withat least a portion of said ingredient and generate aningredient-containing fluid flow; flowing said ingredient-containingfluid flow into said beverage brewing cartridge to generate saidingredient-brewed fluid mixture; and outflowing the ingredient-brewedfluid mixture from the beverage brewing machine.
 9. The method of claim1 wherein the beverage brewing cartridge and the beverage additivecartridge are compressed together inside the housing via a lid of thebeverage brewing apparatus, said lid enclosing the beverage brewing andbeverage additive cartridges inside the housing of the beverage brewingapparatus.
 10. The method of claim 1 further including a fastening meansthat adheres the beverage additive cartridge and the beverage brewingcartridge together, and after the ingredient-brewed fluid mixture hasoutflowed from the beverage brewing machine, removing the beverageadditive cartridge and the beverage brewing cartridge simultaneouslytogether as a single joined unit.
 11. The method of claim 10 wherein thefastening means comprises a friction fit attachment via contact of atleast a portion of a surface area of the beverage additive cartridgewith at least a portion of a surface area of the beverage brewingcartridge.
 12. The method of claim 10 wherein the fastening meanscomprises an adhesion layer residing on a surface of the beverageadditive cartridge or the beverage brewing cartridge.
 13. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the beverage additive cartridge includes a bottomsurface area connected to upwardly extending sidewalls and a top layeron a top surface area of the beverage additive cartridge thathermetically seals the beverage additive cartridge and the ingredientresiding therein.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein said top layercomprises a removable top layer, and further including removing saidremovable top layer of the beverage additive cartridge to expose saidingredient prior to use thereof.
 15. The method of claim 1 wherein thebeverage additive cartridge further includes a lifting componenttherein, said ingredient residing on the lifting component to allowfluid to contact top and bottom surface areas of the ingredient toenhance mixing of the fluid with the ingredient for generating saidingredient-brewed fluid mixture.
 16. The method of claim 1 wherein thebeverage additive cartridge is a disposable beverage additive cartridge.17. The method of claim 1 wherein the beverage additive cartridge is areusable beverage additive cartridge.
 18. A method of brewing a beveragein a beverage brewing apparatus comprising: providing a beverage brewingmachine having a housing with one or more fluid flow probes; providing abeverage additive cartridge containing an ingredient into said housing;providing a beverage brewing cartridge containing a material to bebrewed into said housing; compressing the beverage brewing cartridge andthe beverage additive cartridge together inside the housing; piercingthe beverage brewing cartridge and the beverage additive cartridge withsaid one or more fluid flow probes; flowing a fluid into the beveragebrewing cartridge via at least one of the fluid flow probes to generatea brewed fluid flow; flowing said fluid into the beverage additivecartridge to generate an ingredient-containing fluid flow; mixing thebrewed fluid flow and the ingredient-containing fluid flow together togenerate an ingredient-brewed fluid mixture; and outflowing theingredient-brewed fluid mixture from the beverage brewing machine via atleast another of the fluid flow probes.
 19. The method of claim 18further including a fastening means that adheres the beverage additivecartridge and the beverage brewing cartridge together, and after theingredient-brewed fluid mixture has outflowed from the beverage brewingmachine, removing the beverage additive cartridge and the beveragebrewing cartridge from the housing simultaneously together as a singlejoined unit via said fastening means.
 20. A method of brewing a beveragein a beverage brewing apparatus comprising: providing a beverage brewingmachine having a housing, a fluid inlet flow probe, and a fluid outletflow probe; providing a single-use beverage additive cartridgecontaining an ingredient into said housing; providing a sealedsingle-use beverage brewing cartridge containing a material to be brewedinto said housing, the sealed single-use beverage brewing cartridgeresiding over the single-use beverage additive cartridge; compressingthe single-use beverage brewing cartridge and the single-use beverageadditive cartridge together via the housing; piercing the single-usebeverage brewing cartridge with the fluid inlet flow probe; piercing thesingle-use beverage brewing cartridge and the single-use beverageadditive cartridge with the fluid outlet flow probe; flowing a fluidinto the single-use beverage brewing cartridge via the fluid inlet flowprobe to generate a brewed fluid flow; flowing the brewed fluid flowinto the single-use beverage additive cartridge to contact and mix withsaid ingredient and generate an ingredient-brewed fluid mixture; andoutflowing the ingredient-brewed fluid mixture from the beverage brewingmachine via the fluid outlet flow probe.